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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Leyland Cecco in Toronto

Canada-China detention feud reopened after claims of ‘unwitting’ espionage

Michael Kovrig Michael Spavor Canada China Espionage Meng Wanzhou Michaels Stephanie Carvin
Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig were arrested in 2018 in what Canada said was ‘hostage diplomacy’. The pair were released in September 2021.
Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig were arrested in 2018 in what Canada said was ‘hostage diplomacy’. The pair were released in September 2021. Photograph: Lindsey Wasson/Reuters

A simmering diplomatic feud prompted by China’s detention of two Canadian citizens has been reopened after one of the men claimed he was arrested for unknowingly passing on intelligence to Canada and its allies.

The Globe and Mail reported Michael Spavor is seeking a multimillion-dollar settlement from Canada’s federal government, alleging he “unwittingly” provided intelligence on North Korea to fellow Canadian Michael Kovrig, who then shared that information with Canada and Five Eyes allies.

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